Right to Dream Academy has built a powerful track record at the Gothia Cup. With seven titles and five consecutive championships, they’ve become one of the most dominant forces in international youth football. Their 2023 campaign saw them score 19 goals, concede just once before the final, and edge Swedish side AIK FF 2–1 to lift the trophy. Recognition followed, including MVP honors for center back Stephen and praise from Head Coach Djimi Traore for the team’s collective effort. The Gothia Cup remains a critical stage in the Right to Dream story.
Lessons from 2024
In 2024, Right to Dream sent one of the youngest squads in the tournament. On average, their players were two years younger than their opponents — a significant gap in elite youth football. Results fell short of expectations, but the experience became a crucial part of the academy’s long-term player development. According to Director of International Football Tony Mamodaly, that tournament planted seeds the team is now ready to harvest. Many of those same players return this year, sharper and more united, shaped by both defeat and growth.
What Gothia Means to RTD
The Gothia Cup holds deep emotional weight for the Right to Dream community. Mamodaly speaks of the sense of connection that stretches far beyond the players. Staff, teachers, and students back at the academy gather to watch the matches together. It’s a moment of shared belief and pride that reflects what youth development means at Right to Dream. Competing in Gothenburg is a reflection of everything the academy stands for.
Backed by Eyeball
Right to Dream is one of Eyeball’s flagship partner academies — a perfect example of how youth-first football scouting can thrive with the right tools and exposure. Many of the academy’s players are already visible on the Eyeball scouting platform, giving clubs and scouts around the world a direct line to emerging African football talent. Eyeball’s mission to spotlight young players aligns seamlessly with Right to Dream’s legacy of early development and opportunity.
This Year’s Squad
The 2025 team brings a different energy. It’s bold, technical, and aggressive in style. Mamodaly hints at a high-octane group with something new to offer: two girls on the roster who earned their place through performance, not promotion. “I bet you won’t spot them right away,” he says. “That’s how effortlessly they belong.” The squad reflects a modern model of scouting and inclusion, driven by talent, not age or background.
Momentum Returns
This summer feels like a comeback year. The squad has blended last year’s lessons with the hunger of players who have seen both sides of competition. They arrive in Gothenburg not as favorites, but as a group that has built itself through setbacks, ambition, and belief. For those following the next wave of international youth talent, Right to Dream’s 2025 campaign at the Gothia Cup is one to watch — and thanks to Eyeball, one you can follow from anywhere.Start tracking clubs like Right to Dream on Eyeball. Set up a free demo of the platform